How old should a person be to purchase tobacco products legally in Florida?
The current age is 18. But that would increase to 21 if a bill filed by state Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, becomes law.
Under Senate Bill 1288, people under 21 who buy cigarettes or smokeless tobacco could be required to do 20 hours of community service if found guilty of a first offense, and 40 hours of community service for a second offense (if it occurs within a year).
Vendors could be fined up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for a second offense if found guilty of selling tobacco products to someone under 21.
Opponents of the so-called "nanny state" will no doubt decry this proposed legislation. But if it keeps an indeterminate number of young people from using cigarettes or smokeless tobacco — and spares them a myriad of potential health problems and their attendant costs — it is well worth increasing the tobacco-buying age to 21.
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